The Ambassador Held His Scroll and Waited for the Signal
A broad red sash crosses the navy coat of the Border Collie ambassador, and gold embroidery and tassels glitter on the chest and shoulders. His white-gloved paws carefully hold a rolled scroll sealed with a round red wax stamp. His red and white face has bright brown eyes and a white blaze that runs up between his ears, and behind him there are bookshelves and a pattern of carved wood in the Victorian style. The expression is eager and attentive, like a messenger waiting for the signal to go.
Border Collies are widely seen as the geniuses of the dog world, quick to learn words, commands and routines. Because they were bred to move sheep, they have an intense focus called eye, a steady, stalking stare used to control livestock. At home that can translate into staring at toys, balls or even people, and into chasing cars or bikes if they are not trained and supervised. Plenty of exercise, scent games and puzzle toys help them use their energy wisely. They also need a routine and a job, even if it is just fetching the paper. Ask your vet about exercise and joint health, and look for kind, reward-based training to bring out the best in this bright breed.
The ambassador has the message ready, the horse is saddled and the mission is clear. He just needs a signal.
